When you ride a motorcycle, you are embracing the open road. For many riders, your bike is more than transportation; it is a big part of your lifestyle.
But riding comes with real risks. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection in a crash. All it takes is one distracted or careless driver to change everything in an instant. In the blink of an eye, your life may be upended by traumatic injuries, lost income, overwhelming medical bills, and emotional trauma.
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, we stand with injured riders and their families across Philadelphia. We know how hard it is to recover physically, financially, and emotionally after a motorcycle crash.
Our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer will fight to hold reckless drivers and insurance companies accountable and to pursue full compensation for you and your family.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different and More Dangerous
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you already know these crashes are unlike regular car accidents. You do not have the luxury of a steel frame, airbags, or crumple zones. When something goes wrong on the road, your body takes the hit.
Unlike drivers tucked inside their vehicles, motorcyclists are completely exposed to everything around them: other cars, hard pavement, roadside obstacles, and even the weather.
You might have been doing everything right, like wearing your helmet, obeying traffic laws, and riding defensively, but when another driver isn’t paying attention, there is no time to react and nowhere to go. A simple mistake on their part can turn into life-changing consequences for you.
Even a minor collision can result in catastrophic injuries. Riders often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even with a helmet
- Spinal cord damage, sometimes leading to partial or total paralysis
- Multiple broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs
- Road rash, which can be painful, disfiguring, and prone to infection
- Internal injuries that do not show up right away but can be life-threatening
- Amputations or crush injuries from being pinned or dragged
These injuries do more than disrupt your life; they can completely upend it. You might find yourself unable to work, facing long-term rehab, or struggling to do daily tasks.
And while you’re trying to heal, medical bills pile up, and the insurance companies start calling. Unfortunately, they may try to shift blame onto you, the rider, as if you were the one who did something wrong.
Common Ways Drivers Cause Motorcycle Accidents
Philadelphia’s roads are busy, fast-moving, and often unpredictable. Whether you’re navigating I-95, riding along Roosevelt Boulevard, or heading through the city’s narrow Center City streets, there is always a risk that another driver’s carelessness can change everything in an instant.
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, our clients have been injured in crashes caused by drivers in cars, SUVs, or trucks who fail to take the basic precautions needed to share the road safely.
Here are some of the most common and dangerous ways drivers put motorcyclists at risk.
Driver Inattention or Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. You were alert and watching the road. But the driver who hit you was focused on everything but driving.
Maybe they were texting, talking on the phone, scrolling through social media, eating, or adjusting their GPS. It doesn’t take much, a second or two of looking away for a car to drift into your lane, run a light, or rear-end you at a stoplight.
For motorcyclists, those few seconds of distraction can be deadly.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Every rider knows the danger of a blind spot. Cars and trucks have large areas where motorcyclists virtually disappear from view. When a driver does not check those blind spots before making a move, an innocent lane change can result in a high-speed sideswipe. Many times, this forces a rider off the road or directly into another vehicle.
These accidents often happen on highways like the Schuylkill Expressway or I-76, where heavy traffic and lane shifting make conditions especially dangerous for motorcycles. However, with more awareness and patience from other drivers, these crashes are completely preventable.
Failure to Yield
Left-turn accidents are some of the deadliest types of motorcycle crashes. A car is waiting at an intersection to turn left, and you are riding straight through, with the right of way. But that driver either does not see you, misjudges your speed, and turns directly into your path.
Suddenly, you don’t have time to brake, no room to swerve, and nowhere to go. This type of failure to yield is dangerous because it often happens at full speed and close range. The point of impact is frequently the side of the motorcycle where riders are most exposed.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed limits exist for a reason, but many drivers ignore them, especially in open stretches of road or late at night. When drivers speed, they have less time to notice and respond to motorcycles. They may also misjudge the distance they need to stop or change lanes safely, which is a recipe for disaster when a motorcycle is nearby.
Reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic, racing, or tailgating, only increases the danger.
Many riders we represent were hit by drivers in a rush, aggressive behind the wheel, or acting without concern for others. But when recklessness collides with a motorcycle, the consequences are rarely minor.
Impaired Driving
There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Impaired drivers have delayed reaction times, poor judgment, and a dangerously reduced ability to process their surroundings. When a drunk or high driver causes a crash, it is not just a mistake; it’s a choice that puts lives at risk.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Road hazards might be a nuisance for cars. Unfortunately, motorcycles can be deadly. Loose gravel, cracked pavement, slick oil patches, and potholes can cause a rider to lose control instantly.
In Philadelphia, the weather and infrastructure can lead to poorly maintained streets.
Sometimes, the city or a third party responsible for road maintenance may share liability for these accidents.
If you’ve been involved in any of these incidents, our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to assess your potential claim.
Proving Driver Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case
After a motorcycle crash, you have physical pain and must deal with stress, confusion, and maybe even blame from an insurance company that does not have your best interests at heart.
We know how frustrating it is to be the one who got hurt, only to be treated like you did something wrong. That is why one of our first priorities is to prove exactly how the accident happened and why it was not your fault.
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, we are here to collect evidence and tell your story. We build a claim showing how a careless driver made a dangerous choice, and how you pay the price for it. Here’s how we make that case, step by step.
We Start by Investigating Everything
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can work on preserving critical evidence. We will look at:
- The police report
- Photos and videos from the crash scene
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Dashcam recordings, if available
- Cell phone records, especially if we suspect distracted driving
We also work with skilled accident reconstruction experts to recreate exactly how the crash unfolded and support your version of events with science and data.
In other words, we do not rely on guesses or assumptions. We provide proof.
We Show Exactly What the Other Driver Did Wrong
To win your case, we have to show that the driver who hit you was negligent. In short, they failed to drive safely, which caused your injuries.
That might mean:
- They were texting behind the wheel
- They changed lanes without signaling
- They ran a red light
- They turned left in front of you at an intersection
- They were speeding, tailgating, or not paying attention
Whatever the reason, our job is to connect the dots: to show clearly and convincingly that the crash wasn’t just an accident. This was preventable and happened because someone else was not careful.
We Push Back Against the Bias Motorcyclists Face
Unfortunately, some people assume that if you ride a motorcycle, you must have been taking risks. Insurance companies use that bias to try to shift blame and minimize payouts.
We will not let that happen.
We take control of the narrative. We show that you were riding responsibly, obeying the law, and doing nothing wrong. We remind the insurance company that motorcyclists have just as much right to the road as anyone else.
Don’t let them label you as a “reckless rider.” You are a person who got hurt because someone else made a bad decision.
If They Try To Blame You, We Fight Back
Pennsylvania law says you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the crash, as long as you’re not more than 50% to blame. But insurance companies love to twist the facts and push as much blame onto you as possible.
Why? Because it reduces what they have to pay you.
We’re ready for that situation, and we know how to challenge those arguments. Our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer will bring in expert witnesses and physical evidence to ensure the full truth comes to light.
In many cases, we have been able to completely eliminate false blame and secure full compensation for our clients.
We Work with Your Doctors to Show the Full Extent of Your Injuries
Sometimes, it’s not just about proving how the accident happened; you also need to demonstrate its lasting impact on you. Our team works closely with your medical providers, physical therapists, and outside medical experts.
We make sure your records clearly show:
- How the crash caused your injuries
- The treatment you’ve needed and will continue to need
- How the pain, trauma, or limitations changed your daily life
- What your future looks like in terms of recovery, work, and quality of life
We use all of this to make a strong case for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment.
We Present a Clear, Honest, and Powerful Claim
Once we have gathered the facts, we put everything into a demand package for the insurance company. This is not a bunch of paperwork. This is your story, backed by evidence, told in a way that demands to be taken seriously.
If the insurance company comes back with a fair offer, we will talk it through with you. If they do not, we are not afraid to take the next step. Our team has taken plenty of cases to trial, and we are always prepared to fight for you in court if that’s what it takes to get the outcome you deserve.
If you haven’t spoken with our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer yet, you don’t want to wait. The sooner we start gathering evidence, the stronger your case will be.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, this is not something you should have to face alone or pay for out of pocket when someone else’s negligence caused it. Every motorcycle accident case is different, but here is a breakdown of the types of compensation that may be available to you.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the concrete, measurable costs tied to your injury. You can track these things with receipts, pay stubs, and invoices. These costs can add up quickly, especially after a serious crash.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospital bills
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Pain management and assistive devices
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Other out-of-pocket costs
Non-Economic Damages
Some of the most devastating effects of a motorcycle accident cannot be measured in dollars and cents. The law allows you to seek compensation for these non-economic damages for your emotional, psychological, and life-altering consequences.
These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium
Wrongful Death Claims
When a motorcycle accident ends in tragedy, the consequences ripple across families. No amount of money can ever replace the life that was lost. However, compensation can help measure financial stability during an emotionally devastating time.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under Pennsylvania law. This type of claim allows surviving family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent, to recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Emotional suffering and mental anguish
We approach wrongful death cases with compassion and care.
What’s Your Case Worth?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your age and occupation
- Whether you can return to work
- How your quality of life has been affected
- The extent of fault attributed to the other party
- The insurance policies available
We can promise that we will never encourage you to accept a lowball offer to settle quickly.
Our job is to fight for the full compensation you deserve, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About PA Motorcycle Accident Claims
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents and injuries. For more detailed information, please contact our law office to schedule a free consultation.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia?
Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Try to collect evidence like photos, witness contact information, and the other driver’s insurance details. Avoid admitting fault or giving statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
While Pennsylvania law requires helmets for riders under 21 or those without two years of riding experience or safety course completion, not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar your claim.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, you must file a personal injury lawsuit two years from the accident date.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have coverage through your own motorcycle policy if you’ve opted for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they recover money for you.
Will my case have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, going to trial may be the best option to recover full compensation.
Speak With a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
You were riding legally and responsibly. Unfortunately, in a moment, someone else’s carelessness changed everything. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your losses.
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, we take the time to understand what this accident has cost you physically, emotionally, and financially. Then we build a case that reflects the full scope of your loss and aggressively pursue the compensation you need.
Schedule a consultation with our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer today. We’re here to listen, support, and help you take the next step forward.
